Foothill Extension Project Moves Forward
On August 30 the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to three teams vying for the Foothill Extension Phase 2A light rail alignment work. The design-build-finance project includes 11.5 miles of new track, a 25+ acre light rail maintenance facility, six stations in five cities, and multiple bridges along with the needed utilities and crossing systems. Phase 2A is anticipated to generate 7,000 jobs and $1 billion of economic output for the region during construction and will be the first Measure R rail project to break ground. The public-private partnership with the winning bidder will enable the project to be completed much faster than using traditional mechanisms.
The RFP was issued to three firms that were shortlisted earlier in the year through a competitive process. The teams competing for the project are the Foothill Transit Constructors (Kiewit Pacific Co. and Parsons Transportation Group Inc.), Shimmick Construction Company/URS Corporation and Skanska USA Civil West California District/Balfour Beatty Rail, Inc. Proposals are due January 27, 2011 and the award is anticipated in April 2011. On June 18, 2010 the Authority awarded a Design-Build Contract for the Iconic Freeway Structure under Phase 2A to Skanska USA Civil West California District Inc.
